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Incoming! The most exciting 3DS and PS Vita games for November 2014

Hope you like JRPGs

Incoming! The most exciting 3DS and PS Vita games for November 2014
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As holiday season approaches, it's no surprise that the big releases are starting to pop out of the woodworks.

This month, the PS Vita continues to show its strong hand with some truly Japanese titles, while the 3DS blows the competition away with new Pokémon and Persona games.

After a few larger games receiving European releases before North America in the last few months, the fun seems to be over as the scales even out. Sigh.

Let me warn you now: next month is going to be light. Stock up on several of these to keep you busy over the hols!


PlayStation Vita

The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth
By Nicalis - November 4 in NA, November 5 in Europe

Take a The Legend of Zelda dungeon and turn it into a randomised roguelike. Very, very dark indeed. Fixes the god-awful controls of the PC original while adding plenty of new content. Do. Not. Miss.

The Walking Dead: Season Two
By Telltale Games - November 4 in NA

Finished the first set of episodes in this harrowing adventure game? Continue the story as [spoiler]! Inspired by the tone and stylings of the original gritty comic, rather than the [rhymes with gritty] TV show.

The Wolf Among Us: Season One
By Telltale Games - November 4 in NA

The other comic-based Telltale adventure arriving a little late to the States. Has its ups and downs in the first season, but still very much worth experiencing if you follow the Fables comics or just love adventure games.

LEGO Batman 3: Beyond Gotham
By Traveller's Tales - November 11 in NA, November 14 in Europe

Smash and collect bricks in spaaaace. We're promised over 150 characters, although almost certainly not enough Vertigo characters. This one does have a LEGO Adam West though. SOLD.

Senran Kagura: Bon Appétit!
By Meteorise - November 11 in NA

The bosom-based series returns, albeit as a rhythm cooking game. I don't know how these games are still receiving western releases without moral outcries. Each to their own? Hmm.

Tales of Hearts R
By Bandai Namco Studios / 7th Cloud - November 11 in NA, November 14 in Europe

After we missed out on the Nintendo DS original six years ago, the West will finally receive a spruced up version of this Tales series installment. Don't expect any innovations to the JRPG genre - this is more of a hark back to PS2-era grinds with a similar level of storytelling.

Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA F 2nd
By SEGA / Crypton Future Media - November 18 in NA, November 24 in Europe

The original Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA f exceeded all expectations by selling tremendously well, guaranteeing the sequel a shot at the PS Vita rhythm game crown. Stay tuned for Hatsune Miku: Project MIRAI Remix on 3DS next year too.

Arcana Heart 3: LOVEMAX!!!!!
By Examu - out November 24 in Europe

I wasn't sure this would receive a European release earlier this year, but thankfully I've been proved wrong. Arcana Heart 3 is a highly customisable fighter where you can fine tune the balance, fighting styles, and power-ups for each member of the all-female cast.


Nintendo 3DS

Harvest Moon 3D: The Lost Valley
By Natsume - out November 4 in NA

The latest in the long line of Harvest Moon games. This one goes a bit Minecraft, allowing you to shape your field any which way you like. Not keen on the art style myself, but I could be brought around to it if enough of the series' niggles have been removed. European farmers will have to wait a season or two longer for this one.

Ultimate NES Remix
By Nintendo EAD Tokyo / indieszero - out November 7 in Europe

We weren't too sure on this in our preview last month - it seems to be bits and pieces of the two Wii U titles, with some games missing entirely, and no extras to speak of whatsoever. May be worth your time if you never plan on picking up a Wii U though.

LEGO Batman 3: Beyond Gotham
By Traveller's Tales - out November 11 in NA, November 14 in Europe

Much the same as the above PS Vita version, just looking a tad shoddier, with no trophies, and with some malarkey on the lower screen no doubt.

Sonic Boom: Shattered Crystal
By Sanzaru Games - out November 11 in NA, November 21 in Europe

I could post a picture of the "Sonic Cycle" here, but surely all of you know the score right now. Hey, SEGA, how about letting the guys who remade Sonic CD, Sonic the Hedgehog, and Sonic the Hedgehog 2 in their own engine make a game? Bah... I give up.

Tetris Ultimate
By Ubisoft - out November 11 in NA, November 14 in Europe

11 modes of Tetris - at least eight of which no-one has ever asked for. Might be your cuppa if you're jonesing for more of that sweet, sweet Tetris effect to keep idle thoughts at bay. Worth a look if you've exhausted the Game Boy Virtual Console release.

Picross e5
By Jupiter Corporation - out November 13 in Europe

Finished e4? Well, this is next. Would have much preferred Picross 3D, Club Nintendo Picross, or Mario's Picross 2 though. If you're new to the genre, go for the Game Boy Virtual Console title, Mario's Picross as it's the perfect starting point.

Adventure Time: The Secret of the Nameless Kingdom
By WayForward Technologies - out November 18 in NA, November 28 in Europe

Yes, the developer of Shantae continues to work its magic on every trendy geek's favourite cartoon. This time, Finn and Jake venture through the Land of Ooo, Zelda-style. With music from Super Hexagon's Chipzel, you can most certainly count me in too.

Pokémon Omega Ruby / Pokémon Alpha Sapphire
By Game Freak - out November 21 in NA, November 28 in Europe

The remake I've been eagerly awaiting since finding out it'll enable you to complete the Pokédex legitimately, and - wait for it - run your very own pseudo-Gym! If you're in the States (and / or a mentalist) you can pick up the Dual Pack for the exact same price as both games separately.

Somehow Europe is getting this a week later than all other territories - even Australia. This is an unmitigated disaster, but at least there'll be plenty of legitimate Legendary Pokémon on the Global Trade Station.

Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth
By Atlus - Out November 25 in NA, November 28 in Europe

This spinoff drops characters from Persona 3 and Persona 4 into the same world, only this time the popular JRPG series has a dungeon crawler twist to it. Expect Etrian Odyssey gameplay with familiar Persona trappings.

Shovel Knight
By Yacht Club Games - out sometime in November in Europe

Grumble force unite! The European release of this Gold Award-winning game is taking an extra-long time as the team wasn't prepared for the amount of time that goes into localising. It'll all be worth it for fans of finely-tuned retro-inspired action platformers. That's everyone, right?

Danny Russell
Danny Russell
After spending years in Japan collecting game developers' business cards, Danny has returned to the UK to breed Pokemon. He spends his time championing elusive region-exclusive games while shaking his fist at the whole region-locking thing.